I’m a television writer (Dickinson on AppleTV+, Better Things on FX), playwright, and the national bestselling author of Here For It, or, How to Save Your Soul in America (Ballantine), a Read with Jenna club pick as featured on Today, Reclaiming Her Time: The Power of Maxine Waters (with Helena Andrews-Dyer, Dey Street), and the YA novel Kings of B’More (Kokila), a 2023 Stonewall Honor book. Forthcoming: Congratulations, The Best Is Over! (Ballantine, August 2023)
I write a humor newsletter that comes out every week and has been touted on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.
I’ve been heard on The Moth Radio Hour, NPR’s It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, All Things Considered, and Pop Culture Happy Hour, as well as a host of podcasts. I’m also the the long-running host of The Moth StorySlams in Philadelphia.
For four years, I was also a Senior Staff Writer at Elle.com where I wrote “Eric Reads the News,” a popular daily current events and culture column. My writing has also appeared in The New York Times, Time, W Magazine, O the Oprah Magazine, Slate, and more.
What’s new…
A new book of essays, coming August 2023!
Kings of B’more is a 2023 Stonewall Honor Book, given by the American Library Association!
Mrs. Harrison is the WINNER of the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Drama!
R. Eric Thomas 
I went to The Moth for the first time, and Eric was an amazing host! I don’ t know which I loved more: Eric or the stories I heard. Run to see Eric if you have the chance
My friend and I are addicted to The Moth and love Eric’s incredible wit and spontaneous commentary. We attended our first in the summer and have been regulars ever since. Word has gotten out and the event is PACKED. Great news for Eric. Beyonce rules!
I have been keeping a window open with your Elle article “The Immaculate Shade of Joyce Beatty” and extremely accomplished people frolicking in balloons. When I need a boost I look at the window and feel cheery. Tomorrow I am taking it to brunch to spread the cheer.